Manadhoo Island Council has expressed the city hotel project will widely benefit the island economically.
The agreement to develop a city hotel in Manadhoo, Noonu Atoll was signed between the Ministry of Tourism and Stone Hotels Maldives Private Limited on September 30, 2021. The scope of the project includes developing a land area of 132,000 square feet. The hotel, which must house at least 50 rooms, is to be developed and completed within 30 months.
Speaking to PSM News regarding the project, President of Manadhoo Island Council Abdul Rahman Sabeeh said it is a much-awaited project for the residents of the island. He said since 2010 the residents have looked forward to the project, acknowledging the benefits the project will bring to the island. He said the project will pave way for new job opportunities for the youth of the island and greatly benefit the island, business-wise and economic-wise.
Manadhoo is a relatively large island of 119 hectares. Noting efforts are underway to allocate and lease land plots from the island, the council president stated the Land Use Plan of the island has allocated about 20 land plots for tourism related activities.
Noting the island has the potential to progress in the tourism sector, Sabah said opportunities are also available to flourish in the sector and that land plots will be leased this year. He further stated some residents and parties have expressed interest to introduce homestay tourism on the island as well. The tourism ministry expressed hope the project will be completed and operational by mid-2024.
The administration is working to develop local tourism in all inhabited islands of the Maldives.